Cold Weather Framing Hacks Every Michigan Builder Should Know

For builders in Michigan, winter doesn’t mean shutting down — it means adapting. Framing in sub-freezing temperatures is a reality for staying on schedule, especially with today's tight timelines. But cold weather presents unique risks that can cost time, compromise quality, and frustrate crews. At CMS, we’ve seen firsthand which strategies keep jobs moving — and which ones leave teams out in the cold.

Start with moisture management. Snow, sleet, and freezing rain can wreak havoc on untreated lumber. As your supply partner, CMS recommends getting material covered immediately upon delivery. We offer jobsite wrapping and tarp bundling to help crews avoid working with frozen or waterlogged product. Keeping your framing lumber dry is one of the most important steps to ensuring a strong structure long term — and protecting your warranty.

Next, time your deliveries wisely. In winter, daylight hours are shorter, and snow removal slows down access. Order materials to arrive right before use, and avoid unloading in the early morning when materials are frozen and harder to handle. CMS coordinates delivery timing closely with builders — and offers staggered drops — so you’re never sitting on frozen stacks that delay production.

Tool performance also suffers in the cold. Nail guns, compressors, and batteries can all underperform or freeze entirely. Make sure your team stores equipment in a warm trailer overnight and uses cold-weather rated lubricants. We’ve seen builders reduce downtime just by rotating battery packs more frequently or keeping spares inside warm vehicles.

When it comes to fastening and adhesives, temperature matters. Some construction adhesives won’t bond properly below 40°F. Check manufacturer recommendations — or ask CMS about winter-formula products that are designed to cure in colder conditions. This is especially important for subfloor installs and engineered components.

Crew comfort is also job productivity. When workers are too cold to concentrate or moving slower because of bulky gear, mistakes increase. Invest in warming tents, propane heaters (used safely), and warm-up breaks during extreme cold snaps. It’s better to lose 20 minutes to a warm-up than hours of rework caused by frostbitten focus.

Finally, schedule smart. Group your indoor tasks — like mechanical rough-ins, basement framing, or setting beams in garages — for the worst weather days, and save outdoor deck framing or roofing for the more temperate windows. Proper sequencing helps you stay productive even when the temperature drops.

Michigan winters will always be tough, but smart planning, supplier support, and the right gear can make a world of difference in staying on time and on budget.

Need weather-wrapped framing packages and staggered deliveries?
📞 Contact Construction Material Specialists — we’ll help you keep building, even in the dead of winter.